Longhorns vs. Sooners: Let the Trash Talk Begin

Every October, thousands flock from all over Texas and Oklahoma to the Texas State Fair to see what is arguably the best rivalry in football.

I hear Michigan and Ohio State; USC and UCLA; Florida and Florida State, and many other games that are about way more than just football. But for the last 10 years, this is the only game that has had National Championship dreams tied to it every season.

This rivalry goes way beyond the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Its about not just two schools, but two states that hate each other. Even before Oklahoma was admitted into the union and state lines were drawn at the Red River back in 1907, the Horns and Sooners were getting it on.

The first game was played in Austin in 1900, the series wasn't moved to it neutral site in Dallas until 1912, mainly for the purpose of recruiting high school players in the area.

Since moving to Dallas the rivalry has began to get "testy" to say the least. I don't think there is a team hated more in the state of Texas than Oklahoma. And when I say "hate", I mean "hate". I could only guess the situation in likewise up north about Texas. And not just the Longhorns, but the whole state.

Since Bob Stoops took over in Norman, the game has became a little more intense. Oklahoma has seemed to reap the benefits of big-game chokers like Chris Simms and the few years that OU has been down the Horns have kicked 'em to say the least.

I think this season is the first that there has been no real favorite. Both teams are undefeated, which is no surprise and not unusual.

Both quarterbacks are playing out of their minds. Sam Bradford has thrown for 18 touchdowns and only 30 incompletions, Colt McCoy 16 touchdowns with only 27 incompletions.

Both defenses are stacked, though Texas is a bit young and both offenses have been scoring in their sleep. Something's gotta give.

I look for this one to be another classic. Like Stoney Clark stopping James Allen at the goal line, or Roy Williams high jumping the entire UT offensive line to force a fumble in the end-zone. The tradition of the game ensure one thing the relationship between Texas and Oklahoma will always be a perfect example of love hate. The winner will be cheered by the loser for the rest of season for the sake of keeping up schedule strength but encouraged to lose when Texas Tech comes up on the schedule.